10 Day Tour from Orlando to Orlando

Vacation Overview

Join us on this sun-soaked vacation around Florida, including the state’s east and west coasts and the Florida Keys. Begin in Orlando, the “capital” of Disney’s entertainment parks, and travel north to St. Augustine, the oldest European city in the Unites States. Overnight in Cocoa Beach and head to Cape Canaveral for a NASA tour at the Kennedy Space Center. Turn south and visit Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach before crossing 42 bridges to Key West, the southernmost town in the continental U.S.—only 90 miles from Cuba. Check out the many boutiques and museums, relax on the beach, and be sure to sample delicious Caribbean cuisine. Then, travel back to the Florida mainland and be on the lookout for sunbathing alligators as you experience the Everglades via a thrilling airboat ride. Overnight in Fort Myers and head to Clearwater Beach, one of Florida’s most popular resort cities. Relax on the sugar-white sands and take advantage of warm-weather activities. What a relaxing and fun way to spend your Florida vacation.

Guides:

Day 1Orlando

Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2Orlando–St. Augustine–Cocoa Beach

This morning, head to picturesque St. Augustine, the oldest European city in the United States, founded by Juan Ponce de Leon in his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Upon arrival, a HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE ride through tree-lined and narrow brick streets will highlight 440 years of history. Afterward, there’s free time to explore St. Augustine on your own. Perhaps visit the Oldest House in the U.S. or the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. End the day with a walk on sandy Cocoa Beach.NOTE: In adverse weather conditions the carriage ride will be substituted with a guided trolley ride.

Day 3Cocoa Beach–Cape Canaveral–Fort Lauderdale

Cape Canaveral and the KENNEDY SPACE CENTER are the hub of America’s space operations. Enjoy a NASA tour, which provides insight into the achievements of America’s space program. After your tour, head south to Fort Lauderdale, where you will stay for the next two nights. (B)

Day 4Fort Lauderdale. Miami Beach Excursion

Tour the greater Miami area, including Fort Lauderdale, nicknamed the “Venice of America;” Miami; and Miami Beach. Afterward, time on your own to explore the colorful art deco buildings and beach of Miami Beach. This afternoon, return to Fort Lauderdale and enjoy the Florida sun on the world-famous Fort Lauderdale Beach or by the hotel pool.

Day 5Fort Lauderdale–Key Largo–Key West

This morning we head south to the Overseas Highway, crossing 42 bridges through the Florida Keys to picturesque Key West, the southernmost town in the continental U.S. Our suggestion for this evening: visit Mallory Square to enjoy the spectacular sunset, then stroll along Duval Street with its colorful cafés.

Day 6Key West

On this morning’s optional sightseeing tour, sit back and relax on the open-air trolley and view some of Key West’s most famous sights, including Ernest Hemingway’s home; Fort Zachary; Southernmost Point, situated less than 90 miles north of Cuba; and the Audubon House & Gardens. Spend the afternoon beachcombing or visit the many boutiques and museums. Be sure to sample the delicious Caribbean cuisine for which this semi-tropical paradise is so famous. (CB)

Day 7Key West–Everglades–Fort Myers

Head back to the mainland to the subtropical wilderness of the EVERGLADES. Board your AIRBOAT for a thrilling sightseeing ride through the extensive swamplands. Sleepy alligators basking on the banks of the waterways are a common sight. Overnight in Fort Myers. (CB)

Day 8Fort Myers–Clearwater Beach

Day 9Clearwater Beach

A full day to relax on the sugar-white sands of Clearwater Beach. Your Tour Director will have suggestions on the best places to shop and dine.

Day 10Clearwater Beach–Orlando

This morning the motorcoach continues to the Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Center for tour members extending their stay in Orlando. Continue on to Orlando International Airport, where the tour ends for guests with homebound flights. Please schedule flights after 4 pm.

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

CLINTON DUNN

Years of Experience: 23 years

After graduating from Fordham University, I lived in New York City until I inherited a small inn that my grandmother had owned in my hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida. I became immersed in restoring and running it, but after working 24 hour days for 10 years, I was ready for a change. I told a friend I wanted a job where I could travel. He said, "You should do what my ex-wife is doing. She's a Tour Director." That began my wonderful new career that is now in its 21st year.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on the Highlights of Sunny Florida: